THE BOOM BOX

Having completed three barrier trials on 23/9 (dirt trial 1200m: 9-9-6), starting from the rear and travelling wide throughout, making up ground in the straight; 11/9 (dirt trial 1200m: 8-8-7) also breaking slowly but finishing with a strong run; and 29/8 (dirt trial 1050m: 9-9-9), starting from the back and taking a wide path into the turn, showing decent late speed. This horse returns after a long break and is making its seasonal debut. Three trials have been completed without any standout performances. Having dropped 21 pounds in body weight, it will trial on Sha Tin turf over 1200m this time with no weight reduction. Based on the section times from comparable horses, the tactics for this race are to settle towards the rear, however finishing speed may not be sufficient against rivals and the overall situation is unfavourable. Encouragingly, it has three wins over this distance previously, suggesting a chance of an immediate impact.